Term
Why NOT to top:
starvation |
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Definition
| topping removes so much of the tree's leafy crown that it dangerously reduces the tree's ability to make food |
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Term
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Definition
| by removing the protective cover of the tree's canopy, bark tissue is exposed to direct rays of the sun; this scalding can cause a tree to die |
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Term
Why NOT to top:
insects and disease |
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Definition
| exposed ends of topped limbs are vulnerable to insect invasion or decay fungi species |
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Term
Why NOT to top:
weak limbs |
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Definition
| new branches that form from a stubbed limb are weakly attached and more likely to break from the weight of snow and ice |
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Term
Why NOT to top:
rapid new growth |
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Definition
| instead of controlling height and spread, topping does the opposite; new branches are more numerous and grow higher |
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Term
Why NOT to top:
tree death |
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Definition
| some trees can't tolerate major limb loss and survive; some grow weak and are prone to disease |
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Term
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Definition
| topped trees are disfigured |
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Term
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Definition
| hidden costs: lower property value, expense of removal of tree if it dies |
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Term
Proper Pruning
crown reduction |
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Definition
| controls height while keeping form and beauty |
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Term
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Definition
| pruned trees grow slowly and distributes growth more naturally than topped trees |
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Term
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Definition
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